Crystals and raw crystals for jewelry and decoration (L-O)

Africa: The jewels of the continent

Africa is a land where the earth’s treasures are particularly rich.

• Diamonds - Diamonds, the hardest of precious stones, are discovered in various regions of Africa. Botswana, Angola, South Africa, and Sierra Leone are just a few places where these sparkling jewels are mined.
• Sapphires - Sapphires, although associated with the Far East, are also mined in Africa. The largest sapphire deposits are found in Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria, and Madagascar.
• Emeralds - Emeralds, green precious stones, are primarily found in Colombia, but also in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.

Asia: The colorful treasures of the Orient

Asia is another part of the world where precious stones have a long history and deep cultural roots.

• Sapphires - In addition to Africa, Asia is also rich in sapphire deposits. Burma (now Myanmar), Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Cambodia are places where these colorful stones are mined.
• Emeralds - While Colombia may be the world capital for emeralds, Asia also has something to offer. India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan are known for their emerald resources.

South America: Colombian emeralds and more

South America is renowned for some of the most prized precious stones.

• Emeralds - Colombia is the global leader in emerald mining. Famous mines in areas like Muzo and Chivor supply exceptionally valuable stones.
• Aquamarines - Brazil is known not only for its exotic landscapes but also for its exceptional aquamarines. Among others, the mines in Minas Gerais produce these blue-green stones.

Australia: The land of opals

Australia is the only place in the world where opals are mined on a large scale.

• Opals - South Australia, particularly the Coober Pedy region, is the world capital of opals. These mysterious stones, which change colors depending on the viewing angle, are a unique treasure of the continent.

Europe: Ancient treasures

Although Europe is not currently a major area for precious stone mining, it historically played an important role in the industry.

• Garnets - Garnets, precious stones with an intense red color, are mined in the Czech Republic, Russia, and Scandinavia.
• Amber - Amber, although not a precious stone, has a long history in Europe. The main deposits are located in the Baltic region, particularly in Poland and Russia.

Discovering precious and semi-precious stones on the world map is a journey through geological wonders and cultural treasures. These beautiful jewels not only adorn jewelry but also tell the story of our planet and humanity's fascination with its mysterious interior.

What are gems (precious stones, semi-precious stones)?

A gem (precious stone, semi-precious stone) is a piece of mineral crystal that, in its cut and polished form, is used to create jewelry or other ornaments. However, some rocks (such as lapis lazuli) or organic materials that are not minerals (such as amber) are also used in jewelry and are often considered gems as well.

Most precious stones are hard, but some soft minerals are used in jewelry due to their luster or other physical properties that have aesthetic value. Rarity is another feature that adds value to a stone.